Online tutoring is a rapidly growing field, with more and more students turning to online tutors for help with their schoolwork. But is online tutoring truly effective when it comes to ongoing student success?
Countless school districts have attempted to establish in-person tutoring programs to assist struggling students. Some districts have even compensated their teachers to work outside of regular hours with students. There have even been efforts to recruit individuals from local communities, particularly current or recent college graduates.
Unfortunately, finding qualified tutors willing to work for the wages offered by schools has proven challenging. Furthermore, the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19 have complicated matters, as schools have been unable to bring in outside tutors to work on-site.
The answer is a resounding yes. Research has shown that online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person tutoring, and in some cases, even more effective. For example, one study found that students who received online tutoring in math were 15% more likely to pass their state math test than students who did not receive tutoring.
So, what makes online tutoring so effective and how effective is it? While some students may pursue tutoring in hopes of preparing for an individual exam or improving in one tricky class, it poses the question: does this mode of teaching have long standing effects on student success?
One of the key advantages of online tutoring is that it provides students with one-on-one attention from a qualified tutor, allowing them to receive help exactly when they need it. In a traditional classroom setting, teachers often have to divide their attention among dozens of students, making it challenging to give each student the individualized support they may require. However, with online tutoring, students have the undivided attention of their tutor for the entire session.
Moreover, online tutoring offers the flexibility to tailor the learning experience to the individual student's needs and learning style. Every student learns differently, and what works for one student may not work for another. Online tutors have the ability to assess the unique needs and learning style of each student and then develop a customized tutoring plan that caters to their specific requirements. By personalizing the tutoring experience, online tutors can help students learn more effectively and efficiently.
A study by the National Association of Tutoring Companies found that 85% of parents reported that their children's grades improved after receiving online tutoring.
For example, if a student is a visual learner, the online tutor can incorporate visual aids, such as diagrams or videos, into the tutoring sessions. On the other hand, if a student is an auditory learner, the tutor can focus on explaining concepts verbally and engaging in discussions. By catering to each student's individual learning style, online tutoring maximizes the chances of academic success.
The flexibility and convenience of online tutoring is unmatched. Students can access tutoring from anywhere with an internet connection, and they can schedule tutoring sessions at times that work best for them. This makes online tutoring a great option for students who have busy schedules or who live in rural areas where access to in-person tutoring is limited.
Furthermore, the flexibility of online tutoring allows students to receive help whenever they need it. Unlike traditional in-person tutoring, which may have limited hours or require scheduling in advance, online tutoring provides students with the ability to seek assistance at any time. Whether it's late at night before a big exam or early in the morning before school starts, online tutors are available to support students whenever they need it.
The convenience of online tutoring also extends to the ability to review past sessions. Unlike in-person tutoring, where students may struggle to remember everything that was covered during a session, online tutoring offers the option to record tutoring sessions, take virtual notes, or save session whiteboards. This means that students can revisit the material covered in a tutoring session at any time, ensuring that they have a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Online tutoring platforms leverage technology to offer a wide range of tools for tracking a student's progress. These tools allow for the collection and analysis of data on a student's performance, giving tutors and students invaluable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement.
One significant advantage of online tutoring is the ability to implement early alert programs. These programs can automatically detect when a student is struggling with a particular concept or topic. The system then alerts the tutor or the student, enabling immediate intervention and additional support, thus preventing the issue from escalating.
Online tutoring platforms also incorporate attendance monitoring, ensuring that students are consistently engaging with their learning sessions. This feature helps keep students accountable and committed to their educational goals, as well as enabling tutors to adapt their approach based on a student's attendance history.
In addition to being effective and flexible, online tutoring is also a more affordable option compared to in-person tutoring. Many online tutoring services offer lower rates than traditional tutoring centers, making it a more accessible option for families on a budget.
Considering that the cost of a private tutor can range from $11 to $30 per hour, the cost of in-person tutoring can quickly add up, especially if a student requires multiple sessions per week or long-term assistance. On the other hand, online tutoring services often provide various pricing plans and packages to suit different needs and budgets. This means that families can choose a tutoring plan that fits their financial situation without compromising on the quality of education.
Furthermore, online tutoring eliminates the need for additional expenses such as transportation costs or materials. With online tutoring, students can receive help from the comfort of their own homes, saving both time and money. They don't have to worry about commuting to a tutoring center or purchasing extra materials for each session. By offering quality education at a more accessible price point, online tutoring opens up opportunities for students from all backgrounds to receive the personalized support they need to excel in their studies.
Online tutoring can be particularly beneficial for certain groups of students, such as:
Online tutors can provide students with one-on-one attention and support to help them master the concepts they are struggling with. Online tutors can also develop personalized learning plans that meet the student's individual needs.
Online tutors can challenge gifted and talented students with rigorous coursework and help them to develop their critical thinking skills. Online tutors can also help gifted and talented students to explore their interests and to prepare for college and beyond.
Online tutors can provide students with learning disabilities or other special needs with the support and accommodations they need to succeed in school. Online tutors can also help students with learning disabilities to develop strategies for dealing with their challenges.
QuadC is an online tutoring and student success platform, designed to support students and educators in thriving through their academic journey. With countless capabilities and features, the platform gives educational institutions the tools they need to increase accessibility to educational resources.
Morehouse School of Medicine uses QuadC to gain access to reliable data for decision-making. Upon implementing QuadC, the institution reports:
By tracking important data points they get to demonstrate how, “our students are using it in this capacity, it is a necessity, this is something our students need to have, we should keep providing the service.” Ms. McNeill, Program Manager of the Office of Student Learning & Educational Resources.
The effectiveness of online tutoring in student success is undeniable. With its personalized approach, advanced progress tracking, and the power of technology, online tutoring has become an invaluable tool for students striving to succeed academically. As we've explored the transformative impact, it's evident that online tutoring is not just a trend; it's a powerful means to boost academic performance, foster personal growth, and equip students with the skills they need for a brighter future.
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